Answer: The results are expressed as the number of Salmonella CFU (log10) in the original sample.

Q What kind of samples can I run?

Answer: The PIPER™ system has been validated for Poultry Rinsate, Environmental samples, and boot socks.

Q Do I need to add 275 µl of sample, or can I add more (or less)?

Answer: Use only the indicated volumes in the package insert to obtain correct Salmonella counts.

Q Can I reuse any of the kit components? (e.g. excess reagent?)

Answer: No. To maintain integrity of the kit components and expiry dates of the kit, you cannot re-use any excess reagents from the kit. If you have excess re-agents, please dispose of them based on disposal method described in the kit package insert.

Q Can I partially use a cartridge, then run the unused lanes at another time?

Answer: No. To ensure accurate and reliable results, the cartridge cannot be partially used and can only be used once. The cartridge must be run with 12 samples. If fewer than 12 enriched samples are being tested, all other lanes should be prepared with sterile BPW. Please refer to the kit package insert for more detailed instructions. Any additional usage or running a cartridge with empty lanes may lead to cartridge instability and inaccurate results.

Q Do I have to incubate samples for 7 hours? Is there a minimum or maximum sample incubation time?

Answer: Refer to the kit package insert for the minimum and maximum incubation times. It is strongly recommended to incubate within the indicated range to ensure accuracy of results.

Answer: MagDrive™ is the ferrofluid technology behind the PIPER™ system

Q Do I have to incubate samples at 42°C?

Answer: Yes. The PIPER™ system has been optimized to produce the most accurate results at 42°C ± 2°C.

Q How do I dispose of extra kit reagents/used cartridge?

Answer: Decontaminate materials, pipettes, and media in accordance with your local, state and federal regulations and in compliance with Good Laboratory Practices.

Q Can I run different sample types?

Answer: At this time, the PIPER™ system has been validated for Poultry Rinsate, Environmental samples and boot socks only.

Q How do I turn the instrument on?

Answer: Refer to section 1.2.5 Setup Process for guidelines for connecting the power cord. Then, simply toggle the power switch on the back panel to the 'on' position. The instrument will automatically turn on.

Answer: Depending on the error message, PIPER™ will prompt user to take specific actions (e.g. close the door, remove and re-insert cartridge) or call customer support at 20-315-9985.

Q Where can I get further information about the PIPER™ Instrument other than the manual that comes with the test kit?

Answer: You can visit www.ancera.com for further information on the PIPER™ Instrument or by calling your sales representative.

Q How often does the PIPER™ Instrument need software updates / service check?

Answer: There is no fixed interval for updating the software, however the user can check for updates on the options page. If Critical updates are necessary, you will be contacted by Ancera Customer Support

Q Can I keep the kits at Room Temperature?

Answer: No. Kit and its components must be stored at 2-8°C.

Q Can I use a kit that has not been stored at 2-8°C?

Answer: No. Any kit or its components not stored at 2-8° C would need to be disposed of per the disposal method described in the kit package insert.

Q Can I use a single channel pipette to aliquot the ferrofluid?

Answer: It is recommended to only use a repetitive pipette to accurately dispense Ferrofluid at the indicated volume.

Q I reconstituted the control with the labeling reagent buffer. Can I proceed with my test?

Answer: No. The control should only be diluted with the control buffer. Please refer to the package insert for more detailed instructions.

Q I diluted the labeling reagent with the control buffer. Can I proceed with my test?

Answer: No. The labeling reagent should only be diluted with the labeling reagent buffer. Please refer to the package insert for more detailed instructions.